Vietnam Embassy in Switzerland

Vietnam is represented in Switzerland by its Embassy in Bern, which handles consular matters for the whole country. Vietnam also has an office in Geneva, near the city’s many international organizations, which the Swiss authorities list as a Vietnamese consulate. This guide is for Swiss travelers, foreign residents in Switzerland and Vietnamese citizens living there. It covers the addresses, phone numbers, email and opening hours, plus a few practical tips before you get in touch.

Good news first: most Swiss travelers never need to visit either office. Under Vietnam’s current tourism stimulus programme, Swiss passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for tourism stays of up to 45 days. Anyone planning a longer trip, or traveling for other purposes, can apply for a Vietnam e-visa fully online. The embassy matters most when you need a special type of visa, help with Vietnamese documents, or support as a Vietnamese citizen abroad.

Embassy of Vietnam in Bern

The Embassy is on Schlösslistrasse in Bern, a quiet residential street north of the Old Town. Its consular section is in the same building and serves all of Switzerland, as well as Liechtenstein.

The embassy closes for a long lunch break, so aim for the morning or mid-afternoon. If you live in Zurich, Basel or Ticino, start with a phone call or email before making the trip.

Vietnamese Office in Geneva

Vietnam also has an office in Le Grand-Saconnex, near Geneva’s international quarter. It mainly works with the United Nations and other international organizations based in the city, so for visas, passports and legalization, the embassy in Bern remains the main point of contact.

If you live in the Geneva area, call ahead to check whether this office can help with your request before you visit.

What Can the Embassy Help With?

The embassy handles consular work for both foreigners and Vietnamese citizens. Services typically include:

• Vietnam visas issued at the embassy, for travelers whose plans need one
• Visa exemption certificates for overseas Vietnamese and their family members
• Passports and travel documents for Vietnamese citizens
• Notarization and legalization of documents to be used in Vietnam
• Civil registration, citizen protection and emergency support for Vietnamese nationals in Switzerland

Do You Need to Visit for a Tourist Visa?

Usually not. For a holiday of up to 45 days, Swiss passport holders can currently enter Vietnam without a visa. This exemption applies to tourism only and is part of a time-limited programme, so check that it’s still in force before you travel. For longer stays or other purposes, you can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online without visiting the embassy or posting a passport. You fill in the form, upload a passport scan and a photo, pay, and receive the e-visa by email.

The embassy is the better route when your trip doesn’t fit what visa-free entry or the e-visa offers, for example certain work, study or other long-term stays. The embassy sets its own document list and fees for these cases, so check with them before you apply.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A little preparation goes a long way with consular offices. Keep these in mind:

• Call or email first. Hours, phone lines and procedures can change, and some services may need an appointment.
• Remember the purpose rule. Visa-free entry only covers tourism. If you’re traveling for work, business meetings or study, you’ll need a visa even for a short stay.
• Check public holidays on both sides. The embassy may close on Vietnamese national holidays, including several days around Lunar New Year (Tet), and on Swiss holidays such as Swiss National Day on 1 August.
• Mind the time difference. Switzerland is 6 hours behind Vietnam in winter and 5 hours behind during European summer time.
• Count your days. If you’re entering visa-free, plan your trip within the 45-day limit, including your arrival and departure days.

Swiss Citizens Needing Help While in Vietnam

The Vietnamese offices above serve people in Switzerland. If you are already in Vietnam and need help as a Swiss citizen, for example with a lost passport or an emergency, contact Switzerland’s own embassy there:

Switzerland also has a Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for travelers in the south. Swiss citizens can also call the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs helpline around the clock for consular emergencies.